To take away my reproach {a}. Among the Jews, a family of children was counted a signal blessing, an evidence of the favour of God, Ps 113:9; 128:3; Isa 4:1; 44:3,4; Le 26:9.

To be barren, therefore, or to be destitute of children, was considered a reproach or a disgrace, 1 Sa 1:6.

{a} Ge 30:23; 1 Sa 1:6; Isa 54:1,4